Spain and Belgium will reignite a long-standing FIFA World Cup rivalry on Friday when the European heavyweights meet in Los Angeles for a place in the 2026 semi-finals. Both teams arrive unbeaten in the tournament and are aiming to continue impressive knockout-stage campaigns.
Unbeaten European Giants Chase Last-Four Berth
The quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium pits two group winners against one another after both nations navigated the opening phase without defeat.
Spain advanced with successive victories over European rivals, first dismantling Austria 3-0 before edging Portugal in a dramatic Round of 16 clash thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner.
Belgium’s journey has been more eventful. The Red Devils recovered from a two-goal deficit to eliminate Senegal 3-2 after extra time before producing an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States, powered by a first-half brace from Charles De Ketelaere.
Belgium’s Veteran Stars Eye Another Historic Achievement
For Belgium, the tournament could represent the final World Cup appearance for several members of the country’s celebrated golden generation.
Coach Rudi Garcia continues to rely on experienced leaders including Kevin De Bruyne, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, whose three goals at the tournament have lifted his overall World Cup tally to eight, matching legends Diego Maradona, Rudi Völler and Rivaldo.
Belgium are appearing in their third World Cup quarter-final in the last four editions and will hope history repeats itself after eliminating Spain at the same stage during the 1986 tournament.
Spain’s New Generation Looks to Continue Title Ambitions
Spain, champions in 2010, have blended experienced leadership with emerging stars during an impressive campaign.
Midfielder Rodri has anchored the side, while Pedri and Dani Olmo continue to dictate attacking play. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has also emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, adding pace and creativity to Spain’s frontline.
Luis de la Fuente’s side now aims to reach another World Cup semi-final by overcoming a Belgian team that has demonstrated both resilience and attacking quality.
Belgium Confident Despite Spain’s Favourites Tag
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia acknowledged Spain’s status as one of the tournament favourites but insisted his players believe they have the quality to produce an upset.
Garcia said his squad must continue improving while maintaining confidence in their own strengths, stressing that Belgium have no intention of ending their World Cup journey in the quarter-finals.
Forward Charles De Ketelaere echoed those sentiments, describing Spain as one of the world’s strongest teams and insisting Belgium must reproduce the level of performance shown against the United States.
Midfielder Nicholas Raskin added that Belgium would likely need a near-perfect display, combining defensive discipline with clinical finishing, to progress.
World Cup History Adds Extra Significance
The two countries have met twice previously at the FIFA World Cup, with each claiming one victory.
Belgium won their memorable 1986 quarter-final after a penalty shootout before eventually reaching the semi-finals, while Spain earned revenge four years later by defeating the Red Devils 2-1 during the group stage at Italia 1990.
Their latest meeting offers another chapter in the rivalry, with a place among the final four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup awaiting the winner.
Starting Line-ups
Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Timothy Castagne, Brandon Mechele, Nathan Ngoy, Maxim De Cuyper; Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, Hans Vanaken; Dodi Lukebakio, Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard.
